Of Lodolas & Lake Como

I read with interest, in OBM recently, the excellent article about the Moto Guzzi museum in Mandello del Lario on Lake Como.

I have been a keen admirer of the Guzzi motorcycles since the ’50s, especially the racing machines that had many original features that appealed to me. My first motorcycle was a Moto Guzzi Lodola, purchased in June 1959 from Chas E. Copes & Sons in Holyhead Road, Coventry.

I now own a restored Lodola that is exactly the same as my original one.In September 1993 I visited the museum on my way back from a holiday in Aosta in northern Italy. I had made arrangements by fax before I left England to visit the museum.

Your article brought back vivid memories of entering the very long exhibition space with all the various models arranged down each side.

The outstanding models on display that appealed to me then, and still do, were: the 500cc Gambalonga (Long legged), the 250cc Gambolonghino (Little long legged) and the 500cc Otto Cilindri (vee eight).

Together with the motorcycles there are also numerous very interesting drawings and photographs to study. I can thoroughly recommend a visit, especially as it is located
on the shores of the beautiful Lake Como.

Richard Perry,
West Midlands

Read more Letters, Opinion, News and Views in the October 2018 issue of OBM – on sale now!